WHO is mandated to maintain health as a central focus of water and sanitation development, which is reflected in its water programme. In water, WHO's objectives include to emphasize the provision of health-related guidance in support of sustainable development in Member States and to target its water and sanitation activities on specific health goals.

WHO collaborates with other UN organizations such as UNDP, UNICEF, the World Bank and UNEP, as well as with the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council. The Joint Water Supply and Sanitation Monitoring Programme - a WHO/UNICEF programme - supports individual countries in strengthening their water supply and sanitation monitoring capability

Areas of expertise: Developing health systems, health care management, mortality, morbidity, disability, poverty eradication, disease control, risk education

Media contact:
Matilda Kentridge
Communications Officer, WHO
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
Tel: +41-22-791-2765
Fax: +41-22-791-4881
E-mail: kentridgem@who.int